A moving tribute to African American history and culture

The collection

The exhibits

The eats and drinks

Best for

Our Review

Zoom out. What’s this place all about?It’s hard to imagine improving upon the grandeur of the historic National Mall, miles of greenery surrounded by world-class monuments and museums. But in September 2016, the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture did just that. This new addition to an iconic landscape rises over everything, including the Lincoln Memorial to the White House. Its three-tiered Greco-Roman-style architecture blends design elements from African and American cultures; the metal latticework covering the building is an homage to the ironwork of slaves in the American South.

Ye shall know them by their permanent collection: How was it?The National Museum of African American History and Culture houses artifacts, photography, and other media that reflect African American culture and experiences. Here you’ll find Harriet Tubman’s personal hymnal, and silk, lace, and linen shawl, a bill of a sale for a young enslaved girl, Louis Armstrong’s trumpet, photos capturing the participation of black women during the Civil Rights Movement, and a collection of costumes from The Wiz, the Tony Award–winning musical that made Broadway history with its African American–led cast and crew.

But also by their new shoes. How were the exhibits?Exhibitions give the museum the opportunity to expand upon its diverse forms of storytelling. These might include a collection of hip-hop photography or #WatchingOprah, which explores contemporary American history and culture through Oprah Winfrey. Beyond the formal collection and exhibitions, the museum also offers panel discussions, film screenings, performances, and workshops.

What did you make of the crowd?If the difficulty of scoring a timed entry pass is any indication, the excitement over the NMAAHC hasn't abated since it opened in 2016. Plan ahead: Advance timed entry passes are released on the first Wednesday of the month, three months before your visit. Same-day timed passes also are available for the lucky—and the flexible.

Any guided tours worth trying?Given the scope and size—85,000 square feet of exhibition space—you're not going to be able to get through it all unless you devote an entire day to it. However, the museum’s free mobile app will help by pointing out key works and sharing first-person stories for extra context.

Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it?The NMAAHC’s gift shop is stocked with art and history books, handicrafts from communities in Alabama and South Carolina, a section inspired by Gullah cuisine, and more; don't miss it.

Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere?With celebrity chef Carla Hall, an alum of "Top Chef" and "The Chew"—as its culinary ambassador, the Sweet Home Cafe is certainly worth a stop. Explore African American culinary traditions through dishes like shrimp and grits and a “smoking hot” pepper pot.

Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?Avoid rushing through the NMAAHC; after all, there's so much to explore and tickets are so hard to come by. Save this for a day when you can give it the time it deserves.